The Special Investigation Service [SIS] of Georgia said it was “proactively investigating” an assault on a TV Pirveli journalist and cameraman during ongoing protests near the Parliament.

“An investigation is currently underway at the SIS regarding an incident that occurred on December 7, on Griboedov Street, involving an assault on employees of TV Pirveli, under the Part 2 of Article 154 of the Criminal Code of Georgia.

Upon receiving the report, the SIS promptly initiated necessary investigative actions to identify those involved in the assault on the journalist and the cameraman, as well as any accomplices. The movement routes of these individuals before and after the crime were established through a thorough examination of the crime scene and its surrounding areas. Consequently, video recordings from surveillance cameras located on Griboedov Street, Brothers Zubalashvili Street, Besiki Street, M. Laghidze Street, Al. Chavchavadze Street, and Shota Rustaveli Avenue - as well as from the Conservatory and 5 private facilities - were urgently retrieved for detailed study and analysis.

On December 8, 2024, in response to information about potential perpetrators disseminated during a television broadcast, a search was conducted at the personal and residential premises of G.L. This search led to the seizure of his mobile phone, which is currently under examination. A computer forensic analysis has been commissioned at the Levan Samkharadze National Forensic Bureau to recover data from the phone’s memory. Both G.L. and a family member have been questioned regarding the case details.

L.T., mentioned in the media as possibly having been present at the scene, has also been summoned for questioning.

The process of obtaining data from mobile operators is ongoing, with efforts focused on analyzing cell tower information and tracking the movements of individuals of interest in the investigation.

A medical examination has been ordered to assess the health status of the injured journalist and cameraman.

The SIS continues its investigation, striving to gather evidence, identify, and apprehend those responsible for the assault on the journalists”, - reads the statement.